GB2260524A

GB2260524A - Pole pushed cycle

Info

Publication number: GB2260524A
Application number: GB9215708A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Howie
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1991-07-24
Filing date: 1992-07-23
Publication date: 1993-04-21
Also published as: GB9115989D0; GB9215708D0

Abstract

A pole pushed cycle for use by the disabled, having a main frame with two wheels at the front and at least one at the rear of the frame. and with a plurality of detachable elongate members for controlling the cycle from a remote position. At least one elongate member is connected to the steering control, and at least one other may be connected to the frame adjacent to the rear wheel for propulsion Stabilisers may also be located on the rear wheel, and the pedals may be provided with means for retaining the feet. <IMAGE>

Description

POLE PUSHED CYCLE This invention relates to a pole pushed cycle in particular but not exclusively for use by the disabled.

Various therapy cycles exist which aim to give the freedom of cycling to disabled children or those who cannot readily ride a bicycle or tricycle. These include tricycles which are a useful aid but it must be appreciated that a tricycle with one wheel at the front can turn quickly creating considerable G-force in the opposite direction. They are also limited in that good control of pedalling is required and so this is restricted to more able or older children.

According to the present invention there is provided a pole pushed cycle for use by the disabled comprising a cycle main frame, having first and second wheels located on the front of the frame and at least one other wheel located at the rear of the frame, said first and second wheels aligned in a substantially parallel relation and secured in said relation by wheel-securing means, and a plurality of detachable elongate members for cycle control from a remote position, at least one elongate member being connectable to a steering control.

Most preferably, the rear wheel has a fixed cog for propulsion Preferably, at least one elongate member is connectable to the frame adjacent to the rear wheel for propulsion.

Preferably the steering control extends from a centre column. Preferably, the steering control is in the form of a handlebar with means on at least one bar for the attachment of an elongate member.

Preferably, heavy duty stoppers are welded to the front of the centre column.

Preferably, the elongate member connectable to the frame adjacent to rear wheel is connectable via a fixed cog and permits propulsion by a non-rider from a remote position to the rear or off-side of the cycle.

Preferably, the elongate members are in the form of wooden poles.

Preferably, the wheel-securing means comprises track arms welded to two fork crowns which are attached to the first and second front wheels. Track rods are preferably connected by ball end joints to extensions on each mudguard of said first and second wheels and to a cross arm connected to the centre column.

Preferably, stabilisers are located on the rear wheel and are elevated from ground level.

Preferably, the seating arrangement is provided comprising a saddle and a seat pin with location holes, clevis pin and R clips.

Preferably, an adjustable back support is located at the rear of the saddle.

Preferably, pedals are provided with retaining means which retain the foot of the rider on each pedal. This may be in the form of a heel plate and strap.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig 1 is a perspective view of the pole pushed cycle in accordance with the present invention but without the pole; and Fig 2 shows the pole pushed cycle in use; Fig 3 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the pole pushed cycle in accordance with the present invention; Fig 4 is a plan of front of a cycle frame of the pole pushed cycle of Fig 1, 2 or 3 with welded track arms; Fig 5 is a front view of the track arms and the central stearing column of the pole pushed cycle of Fig 1, 2 or 3; Fig 6 is a front view of the track rods and ball end joints of the pole pushed cycle of Fig 1, 2 or 3; and Fig 7 is a plan of a handlebar arrangement of the pole pushed cycle of Fig 1 or 2.

Referring to the drawings, a pole pushed cycle 1 comprises a cycle main frame 10 with first and second wheels 12,14 located at the front of the frame 10 and a third wheel 16 located at the rear of the frame 10.

The first and second wheels 12,14 are aligned in a substantially parallel relation and secured in said parallel relation by wheel-securing means 18.

The wheel-securing means 18 comprises track arms 20 welded at 21 to two fork crowns 22, 24, a first fork crown 22 being connected to the first front wheel 12 and a second fork crown 24 being connected to the second front wheel 14. Track rods 26 are attached by means of a threaded rod 23 and lock nut fixings 25 to ball end joints 28, said ball end joints 28 having 8 mm threads which allow angular motion necessary in steering the tricycle 1. The ball end joints 28 are located on extensions 30, by means of a threaded rod 27 and lock nut fixing 29, of each mudguard 32 on the first and second wheels 12,14 and on a cross arm 34 extending from a centre column 36 to which are also attached the proximal ends of each track arm 20 and a steering control. The track rods 26 are solid rods drilled and tapped each end.

The steering is controlled from the steering control which is in the form of a handlebar 38, said handlebar 38 extending upward from the centre column 36. Heavy duty stoppers 40 are welded to the front of the centre column 36. The centre column 36 has a central steering control 37 inside a cycle head tube 33 and angle iron supports 39, placed either side of the cycle head tube 33. The angle iron supports 39 have stopper nuts and bolts 35.

An adjustable seating arrangement comprises a saddle 42 and a seat pin 44 with location holes 45. Clevis pins and R clips (not shown) secure the seat pin 44 in position and ensure easy and extensive saddle adjustment. An adjustable back support 46 is located at the rear of the saddle 42 and a safety harness 47 is attached onto the back support 46 for securing a rider.

Pedals 48 are provided with retaining means 50 such as a heel plate and strap and these retain the foot of the rider on each pedal 48.

A foot plate 49 is located on the main frame 10 in front of the saddle 42.

The third wheel 16 located at the rear of the tricycle 1 is fitted with stabilisers 52 which are slightly elevated from ground level. With the tricycle 1 having a wide wheel base in relation-to its frame length there is a greater feeling of stability and safety when turning the tricycle 1.

Further details are given in the attached Appendices.

Elongate members in the form of first and second wooden poles 54,56 (Fig 2) are attachable to the tricycle 1.

The first pole 54 is attached at the rear wheel 16 and is used in conjunction with a fixed cog (not shown).

The first pole 54 gently pushes the tricycle 1 and rotates the pedals 48 at a rate acceptable to the rider. The rider is normally a disabled child and until the child learns to rotate their legs some resistance to the first pole 54 occurs. The second pole 56 is connected to one side of the handlebar 38 and allows a therapist or parent to steer the tricycle 1. Again, initially there is some resistance to the second pole 56 from the child in the process of learning to steer. In time, the resistance to the first and second poles 54,56 decreases as the child becomes competent to steer and propel the tricycle 1 in safe areas.

An alternative embodiment shown in Fig 3 has two elongate members in the form of poles 60 and 62 attached to the tricycle 1. The poles 60 and 62 are connected to each end of the handlebar 38. The rear wheel 16 has a fixed cog which enables the bicycle 1 to be pushed by the poles 60 and 62 causing the pedals 48 to rotate at a rate acceptable to the child.

From a disabled child's point of view the tricycle 1 looks attractive and bright and when aboard feels comfortable and safe. From the therapist's or parent's point of view the child in front of them is secure on a very stable machine and is in a position to be motivated and with the help of the poles 54, 56 or 60, 62 the therapist or parent has complete control from a comfortable walking position.

The concept of the first and second wheels 12,14 at the front greatly reduces the G-force when turning quickly and gives the child a feeling of stability and safety.

The frame structure is very strong and access to the saddle 42 is easy due to the frame design and small wheels.

The function of the poles 54,56 or 60, 62 is very important as, apart from pushing, restraining and steering, they are connectors between the child and the therapist or parent. This is very encouraging for the child to have the support and involvement of an adult at an early stage.

Modifications and improvements may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the invention.

APPENDIX 1 TECHNICAL INFORMATION MODEL 1 FRAME SIZE 10" 25.3 cm INSIDE LEG MEASUREMENT 18.5" 46.8 cm AGE GROUP 2 - 5 years WHEELS 12.5 x 2.25 steel or plastic GEARS Single speed with fixed cog or freewheel 18 tooth BRAKES Single rear caliper steel, with right hand lever MODEL 2 FRAME SIZE 14" 35.4 cm INSIDE LEG MEASUREMENT 24" 60.8 cm AGE GROUP 5 - 8 years WHEELS 16 x 175 steel GEARS Single speed with cog or freewheel 18 tooth BRAKES 2 Front caliper steel Quick release levers on handlebar, seat pin, and back support PEDALS Parents with children using Model 1 cycle might find their feet too small to grip the pedal straps, in this case it is advised that parents place their children's feet, shoes and all, into a suitable pair of trainers or similar type shoes.

APPENDIX 2 TECHNICAL INFORMATION FRAMES Standard production (girls) seat tube length 11" INSIDE LEG 19" HANDLEBAR AND STEM Standard 16 x 175 BMX WHEELS Steel 2 fronts 1 rear 28 spokes GEARS Single speed with 18 tooth fixed cog 1/2 x 1/8 CHAINWHEEL 1/2 x 1/8 steel cottered tooth 36 CRANK LENGTH 411 CHAINS 1/2 x 1/8 Sedis BOTTOM BRACKET BSA 24 TPI STEERING Two front wheels joined together by means of track arms welded to fork crowns, track rods (2), ball end joints (4) with 8 mm thread. Controlled from the centre by handlebar.

Heavy duty stoppers welded to front of centre column PEDALS Platform with heel plate and straps BRAKES Standard caliper steel (childs) levers MUDGUARDS Shortie steel POLES Wooden (2) one push and pull, one steering control SEAT PINS Chromed steel with location holes, clevis pins and R clips 22.00 WHEEL BASE 30" STEERING Track arms, track rods (2) Ball end joints (4) WHEELS Standard 16 x 175

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A pole pushed cycle for use by the disabled comprising a cycle main frame, having first and second wheels located on the front of the frame and at least one other wheel located at the rear of the frame, said first and second wheels aligned in a substantially parallel relation and secured in said relation by wheel-securing means, and a plurality of detachable elongate members for cycle control from a remote position, at least one elongate member being connectable to a steering control.
2. A pole pushed cycle as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the rear wheel has a fixed cog for propulsion.
3. A pole pushed cycle as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 wherein at least one elongate member is connectable to the frame adjacent to the rear wheel for propulsion.
4. A pole pushed cycle as claimed in Claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the steering control extends from a centre column.
5. A pole pushed cycle as claimed in any of the preceeding Claims wherein the steering control is in the form of a handlebar with means on at least one bar for the attachment of an elongate member.
6. A pole pushed cycle as claimed in Claim 4 or 5 wherein heavy duty stoppers are welded to the front of the centre column.
7. A pole pushed cycle as claimed in any one of the preceeding Claims wherein the elongate member connectable to the frame adjacent to the rear wheel is connectable via a fixed cog and permits propulsion by a non-rider from a remote position to the rear or off-side of the cycle.
8. A pole pushed cycle as claimed in any one of the preceeding Claims wherein the elongate members are in the form of wooden poles.
9. A pole pushed cycle as claimed in any one of the preceeding Claims wherein the wheel-securing means comprises track arms welded to two fork crowns which are attached to the first and second front wheels, and track rods connected by ball end joints to extensions on each mudguard of said first and second wheels and to a cross arm connected to the centre column.
10. A pole pushed cycle as claimed in any one of the preceeding Claims wherein stabilisers are located on the rear wheel and are elevated from ground level.
11. A pole pushed cycle as claimed in any one of the preceeding Claims wherein a seating arrangement is provided comprising a saddle and a seat pin with location holes, clevis pin and R clips.
12. A pole pushed cycle as claimed in Claim 11 wherein an adjustable back support is located at the rear of the saddle.
13. A pole pushed cycle as claimed in any one of the preceeding Claims wherein pedals are provided with retaining means which retain the foot of the rider on each pedal.
14. A pole pushed cycle substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.